Sad news broke on Friday night when it was announced that Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76.
Buffett, of course, is well-known in the music industry. His 1977 song, “Margaritaville,” is one of the most memorable songs of the last 50 years. It remains well-known and is often heard at Karaoke bars around the world. Naturally, the music world began paying tribute to Buffett as soon as the news of his passing broke, and that continued through the day on Saturday.
But Buffett was also well known in the sports industry. A rewritten version of his song, “Fins,” was once used as a fight song for the Miami Dolphins. He was a season ticket holder for the NBA’s Miami Heat. Those two teams, as well as MLB’s Miami Marlins, paid tribute to Buffett on Saturday.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of long-time Season Ticket Member and friend, Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy knew well the power that music and sports has of bringing people together. #HEATNation joins all Parrot Heads in honoring Jimmy’s incredible spirit and love of life. pic.twitter.com/JbIK96BJPz
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 2, 2023
A legend, icon, and friend.
Rest in peace Jimmy Buffett. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/8CQK7iBCEc
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 3, 2023
To a South Florida Icon, Margaritaville Nights will never be the same. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/P66aLZtwTj
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 3, 2023
They were not the only ones. From athletes to college football stadiums playing his songs, the sports world paid tribute to Buffett throughout Saturday.
Fans singing Margaritaville at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Great tribute to Jimmy Buffett. #RollTide #RTR #jimmybuffett #sing #tribute pic.twitter.com/QETauB38VM
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) September 3, 2023
Auburn knows Jimmy 😢🧡 #WarEagle #JimmyBuffett @AUFAMILY pic.twitter.com/ZHq2qM1Tgk
— Scott Fillmer (@scottfillmer) September 2, 2023
R.I.P. Jimmy Buffett pic.twitter.com/dBwKw46FeJ
— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) September 3, 2023
Crowd singing along to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” at Nippert Stadium 🥺 pic.twitter.com/zoCyy887Au
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 2, 2023
Rest in peace tribute to Jimmy Buffett from Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/tbUn8tHBpg
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 2, 2023
Rest in Peace to an absolute legend.
More than a man, an entire lifestyle.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 2, 2023
R.I.P. Jimmy. Enjoyed your kindness. Thank you for entertaining so many of us over the years! #Margaritaville https://t.co/c4hLsVkuyC
— Roger Clemens (@rogerclemens) September 3, 2023
Buffett also had a strong connection with the Chicago Cubs, who honored him on Saturday.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary musician and Cubs fan Jimmy Buffett.
Thank you for introducing Wrigley Field to the world as a concert venue.
The Cubs organization sends its sincere condolences to Buffett's family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/NXHbsbyY6e
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 2, 2023
In addition to his concerts at Wrigley Field, Buffett performed the national anthem at Wrigley Field before Game 1 of the National League Championship Series in 1984, filling in for his friend Steve Goodman, who passed away shortly before the series. He did the same five years later when the NLCS returned to Wrigley Field.
